Method and devices for controlling electronic vaping devices

ABSTRACT

According to at least one example embodiment, a controller for an e-vaping device includes a movement sensor configured to detect movement of the e-vaping device and output an output signal based on the movement. The controller includes control circuitry configured to control power supplied to power consuming elements of the e-vaping device based on the output signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to,U.S. application Ser. No. 15/053,181, filed Feb. 25, 2016, the entirecontents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

At least some example embodiments relate generally to an electronicvaping (e-vaping) device.

Related Art

Electronic vaping devices are used to vaporize a pre-vapor formulationinto a vapor. These electronic vaping devices may be referred to ase-vaping devices. E-vaping devices include a heater, which vaporizes thepre-vapor formulation to produce the vapor. The e-vaping device mayinclude several e-vaping elements including a power source, a cartridgeor e-vaping tank including the heater and a reservoir capable of holdingthe pre-vapor formulation.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment relates to methods and/or devices forcontrolling e-vaping devices.

According to at least one example embodiment, a controller for ane-vaping device includes a movement sensor configured to detect movementof the e-vaping device and output an output signal based on themovement. The controller includes control circuitry configured tocontrol power supplied to power consuming elements of the e-vapingdevice based on the output signal.

According to at least one example embodiment, the movement sensor is anaccelerometer.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to detect, from the movement, movement events based on amagnitude of the output signal.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to count a number of the detected movement events based on anumber of times that the magnitude of the output signal exceeds at leastone threshold value within an expiration time associated with the atleast one threshold value.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to identify an operating event based on the counted number ofdetected movement events.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to identify the operating event based on the counted numberof detected movement events and at least one of the expiration time, theat least one threshold value, the magnitude of the output signal, adirection of the movement, and time stamps associated with the countednumber of detected movement events.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to consult a table stored in a storage medium to identify theoperating event.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to supply power to desired ones of the power consumingelements based on the identified operating event.

According to at least one example embodiment, the power consumingelements include at least one of a battery level indicator forindicating a level of the battery, a lock-out circuit for locking andunlocking the e-vapor device, and an indicator for indicating an amountof the pre-vapor formulation.

According to at least one example embodiment, an e-vaping deviceincludes a reservoir configured to store a pre-vapor formulation. Thee-vaping device includes a vaporizer configured to generate a vapor fromthe pre-vapor formulation and a power supply configured to supply powerto power consuming elements of the e-vapor device. The power consumingelements may include the vaporizer. The e-vaping device may include amovement sensor configured to detect movement of the e-vaping device andoutput an output signal based on the movement. The e-vaping device mayinclude control circuitry configured to control the power supplied tothe power consuming elements based on the output signal.

According to at least one example embodiment, the movement sensor is anaccelerometer.

According to at least one example embodiment, the vaporizer includes aporous element in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a heaterconfigured to vaporize pre-vapor formulation in the porous element.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to detect, from the movement, movement events based on amagnitude of the output signal.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to count a number of the detected movement events based on anumber of times that the magnitude of the output signal exceeds at leastone threshold value within an expiration time associated with the atleast one threshold value.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to identify an operating event based on the counted number ofdetected movement events.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to identify the operating event based on the counted numberof detected movement events and at least one of the expiration time, theat least one threshold value, the magnitude of the output signal, adirection of the movement, and time stamps associated with the countednumber of detected movement events.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to consult a table stored in a storage medium to identify theoperating event.

According to at least one example embodiment, the control circuitry isconfigured to supply power to desired ones of the power consumingelements based on the identified operating event.

According to at least one example embodiment, the power consumingelements include at least one of a battery level indicator forindicating a level of the battery, a lock-out circuit for locking andunlocking the e-vapor device, and an indicator for indicating an amountof the pre-vapor formulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of example embodiments willbecome more apparent by describing, example embodiments in detail withreference to the attached drawings. The accompanying drawings areintended to depict example embodiments and should not be interpreted tolimit the intended scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings arenot to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted.

FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic vaping device including a reusablesection and a cartridge section according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a semi-transparent view of an example embodiment ofthe reusable section shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment ofthe reusable section shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment ofthe cartridge section shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of an exampleembodiment of the cartridge section within the dashed lines of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3D illustrates a cross sectional view of a connection area betweenthe cartridge section and the reusable section in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an example embodiment of thereusable section shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a circuit board of theelectronic vaping device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating thecontroller shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Exampleembodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of variousmodifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof are shown byway of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail.It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limitexample embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to thecontrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of exampleembodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout thedescription of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another elementor layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or coveringthe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layersand/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, orsection. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussedbelow could be termed a second element, region, layer, or sectionwithout departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing variousembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exampleembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed aslimited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus,the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and theirshapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of adevice and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. Itwill be further understood that terms, including those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic vaping (e-vaping) device 10 includesa cartridge (or first section, or cartridge section) 50, a power section(or second section, or power supply section) 100 and lighting indicators105.

The lighting indicators 105 may be controlled by a controller andindicate a status of the e-vaping device 10. The lighting indicators 105may be three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are used in varioussequences to illustrate at least the following states of the e-vapingdevice 10: Cartridge Detected, Cartridge Detected, Puff, Battery Level,Disabled Mode, Enables Mode, Cartridge Error and Battery Error.

The first section 50 and the second section 100 may be coupled togetherat a connection using a connector. The connector may include a maleconnecting portion and a female connecting portion. The male connectingportion may be secured to one of the first section 50 and the secondsection 100. The male connecting portion may include a pair of matingarms extending from a rim of the male connecting portion. The pair ofmating arms and the rim may define a pair of angled slots there between.A terminus of each of the pair of angled slots includes an enlargedsocket end. The female connecting portion is secured to the other of thefirst section 50 and the second section 100. For example, when the maleconnecting portion is secured to the first section 50, the femaleconnecting portion is secured to the second section 100 (and viceversa). The female connecting portion may include an inner surface and apair of lugs on the inner surface. The female connecting portion isconfigured to longitudinally and rotationally receive the pair of matingarms of the male connecting portion so as to engage each of the pair oflugs of the female connecting portion within the enlarged socket end ofeach of the pair of angled slots of the male connecting portion toelectrically couple the first section 50 and the second section 100 (seethe discussion of FIGS. 3A-3B for further detail regarding theconnection of the first section 50 and the second section 100).

The second section 100 may also include a pressure sensor to monitor apressure within the second section 100, a power supply and a controllerconfigured to control and interpret data from the pressure sensor.

The first section 50 may include a vaporizer configured to heat apre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor (see discussion of FIG. 3C). Apre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that maybe transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation maybe a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation including, but not limitedto, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts,natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers such as glycerineand propylene glycol. The battery assembly is configured to power thevaporizer assembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates a semi-transparent view of the second section 100. Asshown in FIG. 2, the second section 100 includes a female connectingportion 106, a housing 108, a power supply (or battery) 110, a lightpipe assembly 112, a printed circuit board (PCB) 116, an end cap 118, apositive contact 120 and a common contact 122. The light pipe assembly112 includes a light article (e.g., a light pipe) 114 which holdslighting indicators.

A female connecting portion 106 is disposed at a proximal end of thehousing shell 108, while the end cap 118, the first contact 120 (e.g.,positive contact), and the second contact 122 (e.g., common contact) aredisposed at an opposing, distal end of the housing shell 108. The secondsection 100 has a proximal end (adjacent to the female connectingportion 106) with a cylindrical shape that transitions into a triangularform at the opposing, distal end (adjacent to the second contact 122).For instance, the opposing, distal end may have a cross-sectional shapethat resembles a Reuleaux triangle. A Reuleaux triangle is a shapeformed from the intersection of three circles, each having its center onthe boundary of the other two. The battery assembly 100 may also have aslanted end face (relative to the longitudinal axis of the batteryassembly 100). However, it should be understood that example embodimentsmay have other configurations and are not limited to the above forms.

The female connecting portion 106 provides a connection to the firstsection 50. The female connecting portion 106 is made of a conductivematerial to provide an electrical connection between the second section100 and the first section 50. For example, the female connecting portion106 may have a base made of brass that is plated with nickel and thentop plated with silver.

More specifically, upon completing the connection to the first section50, the power supply 110 is electrically connected with a heater elementof the first section 50 upon sensing negative pressure applied by anadult vaper by a pressure sensor (see discussion of FIGS. 3A-3C forfurther detail regarding the electrical connection of the first section50 to the second section 100). Air is drawn primarily into a central airpassage of the first section 50 through one or more air inlets of thee-vaping device 10 (see FIG. 3B). Example embodiments are not limited toe-vaping devices using a pressure sensor to activate the vaping. Rather,example embodiments are also applicable to e-vaping devices that utilizeanother means for activation, such as a push button or a capacitivebutton.

The power supply 110 may be operably connected to the heater (asdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D) to apply a voltage acrossthe heater. Furthermore, the power supply 110 supplies power to acontroller on the circuit board 116, as will be described in greaterdetail below (see discussion of FIG. 5 for further detail about thecircuit board 116).

The power supply 110 may be a Lithium-ion battery or one of itsvariants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, thepower supply 110 may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmiumbattery, a Lithium-manganese battery, a Lithium-cobalt battery or a fuelcell. In that case, the e-vaping device 10 is usable until the energy inthe power supply 110 is depleted or below a set threshold. The powersupply 110 may be rechargeable and the circuit board 116 includescircuitry allowing the battery to be chargeable by an external chargingdevice.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second section 100.Referring to FIG. 3A, the second section 100 may increase in size fromthe proximal end (adjacent to the female connecting portion 106) to theopposing, distal end (adjacent to the second contact 122). The femaleanode 102 and a female insulating member 104 may be disposed within thefemale connecting portion 106. The female insulating member 104 may bean annular structure, with the female anode 102 extending there through.For instance, the female anode 102 may be arranged concentrically withinthe female connecting portion 106 while being electrically isolatedtherefrom via the female insulating member 104.

As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply 110 may include a battery arrangedin the e-vaping device 10 such that a cathode 110 a of the power supply110 may be downstream of an anode 110 b of the power supply 110. Thecathode 110 a is connected to the PCB 116 by a wire 129 a. The PCB 116is then connected to the cathode portion 106 a by a wire 129 b. Morespecifically, the anode 110 b is connected to the circuitry of the PCB116 by a wire 126. The circuitry on the PCB 116 acts as a switch toconnect the anode 110 b of the power supply 110 to the anode portion 102of the female connecting portion 106, and the cathode 110 a of the powersupply 110 to the cathode portion 106 a. When the PCB circuitry enablesthe switch, current is allowed to flow though this circuitry if theanode portion 102 is connected to an acceptable circuit (e.g., thecircuit of the first section 50).

It should be understood that the locations of the cathode portion 106 aand the anode portion 102 may be switched within the female connectingportion 106.

The housing 108 may be made of a plastic and plated with aluminum andcoated with gunmetal pigment. The housing 108 extends in a longitudinaldirection and houses the power supply 110, the light pipe assembly 112and the circuit board 116. The female connecting portion 106 and the endcap 118 are provided at opposing ends of the housing 108. The positivecontact 120 and common contact 122 are formed on an exposed face of theend cap 118. Both the positive contact 120 and the common contact 122may be coated with stainless nickel silver.

A light article 114 (e.g., light pipe) may be disposed in the distal endof the second section 100. The light article 114 contains lightindicators 105 a-105 c that are configured to emit a light that isvisible to an adult vaper based on the state of the e-vapor device. Inan example embodiment, the light indicators 105 a-105 c may emit a lightof a first color during vaping, a light of a second color when the powersupply 110 is running low, and/or a light of a third color when thepower supply 110 is being charged. In lieu of (or in addition to)colored lights, the light indicators 105 a-105 c may emit a flashinglight and/or a pattern of lights as a status indicator.

For example, the light indicators 105 a-105 c may be light-emittingdiodes (LEDs) that are used in various sequences to illustrate at leastthe following states: Cartridge Detected, Cartridge Detected, Puff,Battery Level, Disabled Mode, Enabled Mode, Cartridge Error and BatteryError.

The positive contact 120 and the common contact 122 may be connected tothe circuit board 116 by wires. The positive contact 120 and the commoncontact 122 are connected to the circuit board 116 in such a fashion asto permit a charger to communicate with the controller on the circuitboard 116 and supply power to the power supply 110. More specifically,when the second section 100 is inserted into a charger, two prongs ofthe charger, the common contact and the positive contact form a closedcircuit.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment ofthe first section shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 3B, the firstsection (or cartridge section, or cartridge) 50 includes a housingbarrel 202 with a proximal end and an opposing, distal end. The housingbarrel 202 may be formed of metal (e.g., stainless steel), althoughother suitable materials may be used. A mouthpiece 204 and a sealingring 212 are disposed at the proximal end of the housing barrel 202,while a male connecting portion 206 (e.g., vaporizer connector) isdisposed at the opposing, distal end of the housing barrel 202. A maleanode 208 (e.g., post) and a male insulating member 210 (e.g., gasketring) may be disposed within the male connecting portion 206. The maleinsulating member 210 may be an annular structure, with the male anode208 extending therethrough. For instance, the male anode 208 may bearranged concentrically within the male connecting portion 206 whilebeing electrically isolated therefrom via the male insulating member210. The male insulating member 210 and the sealing ring 212 may beformed of silicone. The first section 50 may include one or more airinlets 215 through which air may be drawn and the pressure sensor maymeasure the air pressure resulting from the air drawn through the one ormore air inlets 215.

The male connecting portion 206 of the first section 50 may, uponattachment of the first section 50 and the second section 100,electrically connect to cathode portion 106 a of the second section 100.The first section 50 and the second section 100 may be attached byengaging the female connecting portion 106 of the second section 100with the male connecting portion 206 of the first section 50. The firstsection 50 may include a vaporizer 250. The vaporizer 250 may include aheating element (or heater) for vaporizing the pre-vapor formulation(see FIG. 3C).

From the above description of FIGS. 3A and 3B, it should be understoodthat the first section 50 and the second section 100 may be coupledtogether at a connection using a connector. The connector may includethe male connecting portion 206 and the female connecting portion 106.According to example embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the maleconnecting portion 206 may be secured to the first section 50 while thefemale connecting portion 106 may be secured to the second section 100.The male connecting portion 206 may include a pair of mating armsextending from a rim of the male connecting portion. The pair of matingarms and the rim may define a pair of angled slots there between. Aterminus of each of the pair of angled slots includes an enlarged socketend. The female connecting portion 106 is secured to the first section50. For example, when the male connecting portion 206 is secured to thesecond section 100, the female connecting portion 106 is secured to thefirst section 50 (and vice versa). The female connecting portion 106 mayinclude an inner surface and a pair of lugs on the inner surface. Thefemale connecting portion 106 is configured to longitudinally androtationally receive the pair of mating arms of the male connectingportion 206 so as to engage each of the pair of lugs of the femaleconnecting portion 106 within the enlarged socket end of each of thepair of angled slots of the male connecting portion 206 to electricallycouple the first section 50 and the second section 100.

FIG. 3C illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of an exampleembodiment of the cartridge section shown in FIG. 3B within the dashedline. As shown in FIG. 3C, a heater 252 of the vaporizer 250 may beelectrically connected to a body 220 of the male connecting portion 206and the male anode 208 at connection points 255 and 260, respectively.

With reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the housing barrel 202 may include areservoir 290 with porous materials 270 and 280. The reservoir 290 andthe porous materials 270 and 280 may contain the pre-vapor formulation.A density of the porous material 270 may be greater than a density ofthe porous material 280. The housing barrel 202 may include a vaporizer250. The vaporizer 250 may include a porous element 251 in fluidcommunication with the pre-vapor formulation contained within thereservoir 290. The vaporizer 250 may include a heating element (orheater) 252 for vaporizing the pre-vapor formulation contained in theporous element 251. A portion of the heater 252 may be coiled around theporous element 251 while two electrical leads of the heater 252 extendto connection points 255 and 260, respectively. The housing barrel 202may include an inner tube 265 defining central air channel 275 to allowfor air flow between air outlets 295 of the mouth piece 204 and the airinlets 215. The vaporizer 250 may be arranged in the air channel 275such that vapor generated by the vaporizer may flow toward themouthpiece 204.

FIG. 3D illustrates a cross sectional view of a connection area betweenthe first section and the second section in FIG. 1. FIG. 3D shows theelectrical connection between male anode 208 and female anode 102, andthe electrical connection between the male connecting portion 206 andthe cathode portion 106.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, electrical connection between the anode110 b of the power supply 110 and the heater 252 in the first section 50may be established through the PCB 116, the female anode 102 in thesecond section 100, male anode 208 in the first section 50, and aconnection point 260 on the male anode 208 with a first electrical leadof the heater 252. Similarly, electrical connection between the cathode110 a of the power supply 110 and the heater 252 may be establishedthrough the PCB 116, the cathode portion 106 a of the connecting portion106, the male connecting portion 206, and a connection point 255 on thebody 220 of the male connecting portion 206 with a second electricallead of the heater 252. The connection points 255 and 260 may beachieved by, for example, spot welding or soldering the two electricalleads of the heater 252. The anode 110 b is connected to the circuitryon the circuit board 116 by a battery wire 126. The circuit board 116 isconnected to the cathode portion 106 a by a wire 128.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the second section in FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 4, the light pipe (or light article) 114 may be fitted tobe inserted in cylindrical bores 112 a, 112 b and 112 c of the lightpipe assembly 112.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of the PCB 116, according to anexample embodiment.

As shown, the circuit board 116 may include a controller 500 and abattery monitoring unit (BMU) 510. In some example embodiments, thecircuit board 116 includes an external device input/output interface530. The I/O interface 530 may be a Bluetooth interface, for example.

The controller 500 includes a microprocessor 502, a computer-readablestorage medium 505, a heater control circuit 515, a charge controlcircuit 520, a pressure sensor 525, and a movement sensor 540. Althoughnot explicitly shown, it should be understood that the movement sensor540 may be included as separate from the controller 500.

The controller 500 performs features of the second section 100, as wellas the entire e-vaping device 10, such as controlling the heater,interfacing with an external charger and monitoring the pressure withinthe e-vaping device 10 to determine whether an adult vaper has applied anegative pressure. The controller 500 may be hardware, firmware,hardware executing software or any combination thereof. For example, thecontroller 500 may be one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs),digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more circuits,application-specific-integrated-circuits (ASICs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), and/or computers or the like configured as specialpurpose machines to perform the functions of the controller 500.

For instance, if the controller 500 is a processor executing software,the controller 500 executes instructions stored in the computer readablestorage medium 505 to configure the processor as a special purposemachine.

Furthermore, as shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 5, thecontroller 500 may be a combination of hardware and a processorexecuting software. As shown, hardware elements may include thecomputer-readable storage medium 505, the heater control circuit 515,the charge control circuit 520, the pressure sensor 525, and themovement sensor 540. As shown, the microprocessor 502 is configured tocontrol the operation of the hardware elements described above byexecuting software stored on the storage medium 505.

The microprocessor (or control circuitry) 502 may be hardware, firmware,hardware executing software or any combination thereof. For example, thecontroller 500 may include one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs),digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more circuits,application-specific-integrated-circuits (ASICs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), and/or computers or the like configured as specialpurpose machines to perform the functions of the microprocessor 502.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, if the microprocessor 502 is aprocessor executing software, the microprocessor 502 executesinstructions stored in the computer readable storage medium 505 toconfigure the processor as a special purpose machine.

Furthermore, the microprocessor 502 may be a combination of hardware anda processor executing software. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, themicroprocessor 502 includes a timer 545, a counter 550, and a register555. Functions of these elements will be described in more detail belowwith reference to FIG. 6.

As disclosed herein, the term “computer readable storage medium” or“non-transitory computer readable storage medium” may represent one ormore devices for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), randomaccess memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storagemediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or othertangible machine readable mediums for storing information. The term“computer-readable storage medium” may include, but is not limited to,portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and variousother mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s)and/or data.

As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply 110 supplies a voltage V_(BAT) tothe heater control circuit 515, the charge control circuit 520 and thelight article 114. Based on the voltage V_(BAT) and data (or controlsignals) from the microprocessor 502, the light article 114 produces alight or series of lights indicating a status of the e-vaping device 10.

The heater control circuit 515 and the charge control circuit 520 arecontrolled by the microprocessor 502 and transmit/receive data to andfrom the microprocessor 502.

More specifically, the heater control circuit 515 is configured tocontrol a voltage supplied to the heater of the first section 50 basedon a pulse-width modulation signal and an enable signal from themicroprocessor 502. For example, when the microprocessor 502 detectsthat the first section 50 and 100 are connected, the heater controlcircuit 515 is configured to monitor a voltage across the heater and acurrent across the heater. The heater control circuit 515 is configuredto feedback the monitored voltage and current across the heater to themicroprocessor 502. The microprocessor 502 is then configured to adjustthe pulse-width modulation signal based on the feedback from the heatercontrol circuit 515.

The charge control circuit 520 acts as an interface between an externalcharger and the second section 100. More specifically, upon connectingto the charger, the charger sends a series of voltage pulses to thecharge control circuit 520. The microprocessor 502 determines whetherthe series of voltage pulses is a correct series. If the series isdetermined by the microprocessor 502 to be correct, the microprocessor502 instructs the charge control circuit 520 to generate a respondingseries of voltages such that if the charger sees the correct response,the charger begins charging the power supply 110.

The BMU 510 monitors a voltage V_(BAT) generated by the power supply110. If the voltage V_(BAT) is within a set range (e.g., between 2.5Vand 4.3V), the BMU 510 supplies the voltage V_(BAT) to themicroprocessor 502. If the voltage V_(BAT) is not within the set range,the BMU 510 prevents power being supplied to the microprocessor 502.

The microprocessor 502 includes a voltage regulator to convert thevoltage V_(BAT) to another voltage V_(DD). The microprocessor 502supplies the voltage V_(DD) to the pressure sensor 525.

The pressure sensor 525 may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)sensor that is a true pressure sensor. The microprocessor 502 uses theMEMS pressure sensor 525 to determine whether an adult vaper has applieda negative pressure on the e-vaping device 10. When the microprocessor502 detects an adult vaper applying a negative pressure, themicroprocessor 502 controls the heater control circuit 515 to begin aheating process for the heater to create a vapor by vaporizing thepre-vapor formulation.

By using a true MEMS pressure sensor 525, the microprocessor 502 mayquickly determine a negative pressure from an adult vaper. Moreover, aMEMS pressure sensor may occupy less space than a differential pressuresensor because the MEMS pressure sensor 525 can be mounted directly onthe circuit board 116.

The MEMS pressure sensor 525 may be an MS5637-02BA03 Low VoltageBarometric Pressure Sensor, for example.

Alternatively, the pressure sensor 525 may be a differential pressuresensor. Differential pressure sensors measure two air pressures, oneambient and one that changes. The differential pressure sensor isgenerally set on an end of the device and put into a gasket that sealsone side of the sensor from another side of the sensor. When an adultvaper applies a negative pressure, the sealed side of the differentialpressure sensor detects a pressure drop (vacuum), while the ambient sidedetects less of a drop due to the exposure by not being sealed. Thedifferential pressure sensor then provides a differential signal.

In one example embodiment, the various elements of the controller 500and the microprocessor 502 communicate using an Inter-Integrated Circuit(I²C) interface.

The movement sensor 540 may be a sensor capable of detecting movement(e.g., movement events) of the e-vaping device 10. For example, themovement sensor 540 may be a single-axis or multi-axis accelerometerthat detects a magnitude and/or a direction of proper acceleration (org-force). The accelerometer may operate according to piezoelectric,piezoresistive, and/or capacitive principles. The accelerometer may be aMEMS device. Detected movements may include movements of the e-vapingdevice 10 by an adult vaper such as taps on the e-vaping device 10,waving of the e-vaping device 10, swivels of the e-vaping device 10,etc. The movement sensor 540 may also detect an orientation of thee-vaping device 10. The controller 500 may operate power consumingelements of the e-vaping device 10 based on an output signal of themovement sensor 540. The power consuming elements may include at leastone of a battery level indicator for indicating a level of the battery110 (e.g., light article 114), a lock-out circuit for locking andunlocking the e-vaping device 10, and an indicator for indicating anamount of the pre-vapor formulation (e.g., light article 114), thevaporizer 250, etc.

The controller 500 may operate the e-vaping device 10 in a sleep mode, astandby mode, and an active mode. The active mode may be a mode in whichthe controller 500 activates the heater 252 (e.g., during a puff by anadult vaper). In the active mode, the microprocessor 502 sends readrequests to the pressure sensor 525 at a first frequency to obtainpressure readings from the pressure sensor 525. The standby mode may bea mode in which the microprocessor 502 reduces a frequency of the readrequests sent to the pressure sensor 525 compared to the active mode.Thus, the standby mode may reduce power consumption of the e-vapingdevice 10 compared to the active mode. The sleep mode may be a mode inwhich the microprocessor 502 reduces a frequency of the read requestssent to the pressure sensor 525 compared to the standby mode.Alternatively, in the sleep mode, the microprocessor 502 may turn offthe pressure sensor 525 or terminate the read requests altogether,effectively disabling the pressure sensor 525. In any one of the sleepmode, the standby mode, and the active mode, a frequency of readrequests sent by the microprocessor 502 may defined by an adult vaperand/or a design parameter set based on empirical evidence.

It should be understood that the controller 500 may be able to disablethe pressure sensor 525 (e.g., using a switch) if the microprocessor 502uses output of the movement sensor 540 to activate the vaporizer 250.For example, the microprocessor 502 may disable the pressure sensor 525if the e-vaping device 10 is operating in a low power state of theactive mode. Alternatively, the movement sensor 540 may replace thefunction of the pressure sensor 525 in that the microprocessor 502 mayuse output of the movement sensor 540 to determine when to activate thevaporizer 250. Thus, according to at least one example embodiment, thecontroller 500 does not include the pressure sensor 525. In all of theabove cases, power consumption may be reduced because the movementsensor 540 may consume less power than the pressure sensor 525.

FIG. 6 a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating thecontroller shown in FIG. 5. For example, FIG. 6 shows operations of thecontroller 500 from the perspective of microprocessor 502.

In operation 600, the microprocessor 502 receives an output signal fromthe movement sensor 540. A magnitude (e.g., of a voltage) of the outputsignal may vary according to a movement of the e-vaping device 10. Forexample, if the e-vaping device 10 is at rest, a magnitude of the outputsignal may be less than a magnitude of the output signal if the e-vapingdevice 10 is tapped by an adult vaper (or experiencing other movement).However, example embodiments are not limited thereto.

If the movement sensor 540 is a multi-axis accelerometer, the outputsignal may include a component for each axis of the accelerometer (i.e.,a component for each of x, y, and z axes). Thus, according to at leastone example embodiment, the magnitude of the output signal may bemeasured by averaging the magnitudes of the components (e.g., two orthree of the components). Alternatively, the microprocessor 502 maymonitor each component of the output signal separately so that theoperations of FIG. 6 are performed with respect to the magnitude of asingle component. Thus, it should be understood that a “magnitude of theoutput signal” applies to any of the above possibilities, depending onimplementation.

In operation 605, the microprocessor 502 determines whether a magnitudeof the output signal exceeds a first threshold value. That is, themicroprocessor 502 may detect movement events based on a magnitude ofthe output signal. Example embodiments are not limited to determiningwhether a magnitude of the output signal exceeds a threshold. Accordingto at least one example embodiment, the microprocessor may 502 determinewhether a change in magnitude of the output signal exceeds a threshold.Further, the microprocessor 502 may also be able to detect a directionof movement based on the change in magnitude of the output signal.

The first threshold value may be defined by an adult vaper and/or be adesign parameter set based on empirical evidence. For example, if theoutput signal is a voltage signal, the microprocessor 502 may determinewhether the voltage signal exceeds a first threshold voltage level. Ifnot, the microprocessor 502 continues to receive the output signal fromthe movement sensor 540 in operation 600. If the microprocessor 502determines that the magnitude of the output signal exceeds the firstthreshold value, then the microprocessor 502 starts a timer 545 inoperation 610.

In operation 615, the microprocessor 502 increments a counter 550 toindicate an instance of the output signal exceeding the first thresholdvalue in operation 605. In operation 615, the microprocessor 502 mayalso track when the counter 550 is incremented by recording, forexample, time stamps. Further still, the microprocessor 502 may recordthe magnitude and direction of the detected movement event. The timestamps, the magnitude and the direction may be stored in the register555 as this information may be useful for identifying an operating event(see discussion of operation 630).

In operation 620, the microprocessor 502 determines whether an elapsedtime of the timer 545 exceeds an expiration time. The expiration timemay be defined by an adult vaper and/or a design parameter set based onempirical evidence. For example, the expiration time may be selectedaccording to how long it is desired for the microprocessor 502 tomonitor the output signal upon detecting a first instance of themagnitude of the output signal exceeding the first threshold value inoperation 605. If the microprocessor 502 determines that the elapsedtime of the timer 545 does not exceed the expiration time, then themicroprocessor 502 determines whether the output signal exceeds a secondthreshold value in operation 625. If so, then the microprocessor 502returns to operation 615 to increment the counter 550. The secondthreshold value may be the same as the first threshold value. However,the second threshold value may be less than or greater than the firstthreshold value if desired. The second threshold may be defined by anadult vaper and/or a design parameter set based on empirical evidence.For example, the first and second thresholds may be adjusted by an adultvaper through the interface 530.

If the microprocessor 502 determines that the second threshold value isnot exceeded in operation 625, the microprocessor 502 does not incrementthe counter 550 and returns to operation 620 to determine whether theelapsed time of the timer 545 has exceeded the expiration time.

It should be understood that operations 600-625 result in themicroprocessor 502 being able to count (via the counter 550) a number oftimes that the output signal exceeds one or more threshold values withinthe expiration time period. That is, the microprocessor 502 may detect anumber of movement events (e.g., taps, swivels, etc.) of the e-vapingdevice 10 within a particular time period.

If the microprocessor 502 determines that the elapsed time of the timer545 exceeds the expiration time period in operation 620, themicroprocessor 502 attempts to identify an operating event in operation630 based on content of the counter 550. In view of operations 600-625,the content of the counter 550 should indicate a number of movementevents that were detected before the elapsed time of the timer 545exceeded the expiration time. Thus, the microprocessor 502 identifies anoperating event based on the counted number of detected movement events.Alternatively, the microprocessor 502 is configured to identify theoperating event based on the counted number of movement events and atleast one of the first and second threshold values, the expiration time,the magnitude of the output signal, a direction of the movement, andtime stamps associated with the counted number of detected movementevents.

The operating event may be a function of the e-vaping device 10, forexample, a battery level indication function that indicates a level ofthe battery 110, a lock-out circuit function for locking and unlockingthe e-vaping device 10, a pre-vapor formulation level indicator functionthat indicates a level of the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge 50,a function that activates the vaporizer 250, or any other functionalitycapable of being performed by the e-vaping device 10 (e.g., power on andwarm up, increase heater voltage, etc.). The microprocessor 502 mayconsult a table (e.g., a lookup table (LUT)) stored in the storagemedium 505 to identify the operating event. For example, themicroprocessor 502 may attempt to identify an operating event bycorrelating the number of movement events indicated by the counter 550with a table stored in the storage medium 505.

The table may include entries that associate a counted number ofmovement events with a particular operating event of the e-vaping device10. For example, the table may include entries to indicate that twocounted movement events should indicate to initiate an operating eventthat checks a battery level of the e-vaping device 10, three countedmovement events should indicate to initiate an operating event thatactivates the vaporizer 250, and so on. The table entries may be definedby an adult vaper and/or a design parameter set based on empiricalevidence. The table entries may also be adjusted by an adult vaperthrough the interface 530. If the movement sensor 540 is a multi-axisaccelerometer and if the microprocessor 502 is monitoring multiplecomponents of the output signal, the table may include a number ofentries associated with each axis. For example, a number of movementevents detected using an x-axis component of the output signal maycorrespond to a different operating event than a same number of movementevents detected using a y-axis component of the output signal. Thus, themicroprocessor 502 may execute the operations of FIG. 6 in threeparallel manners, one for each axis of the accelerometer.

The microprocessor 502 may identify the operating event based on thecounted number of detected movement events and at least one of theexpiration time, the at least one threshold value, the magnitude of theoutput signal, a direction of the movement, and time stamps associatedwith the counted number of detected movement events (i.e., time stampsstored in the register 555 that indicate when the counter 550 isincremented). For example, the first and second thresholds may beassociated with a particular expiration time so that adjusting thethresholds also adjusts the expiration time or vice versa. The timestamps may allow for the microprocessor 502 to determine the intervalbetween each detected movement event. The microprocessor 502 may usesome or all of this information in addition to the counted number ofmovement events to identify the operating event. This may allow for themicroprocessor 502 to identify different operating events for a samenumber of counted movement events. For example, the microprocessor 502may identify two quick taps (or movement events) on the e-vaping device10 as a different operating event than two taps (or movement events)separated by a relatively long interval. Accordingly, the table mayinclude columns titled “Counted Number of Movement Events,” “OperatingEvent,” “Threshold Value(s),” “Expiration Time,” “Magnitude of OutputSignal,” “Direction of Movement,” and “Interval between DetectedMovement Events” with corresponding information about each categorybeing listed in the columns. The information in the table may beretrievable and/or adjustable by an adult vaper via interface 530 and/ora design parameter set based on empirical evidence.

If, in operation 630, the microprocessor 502 does not identify theoperating event (e.g., because the counted number of movement eventsdoes not have a corresponding entry in the table), then themicroprocessor 502 resets the timer 545 and the counter 550 in operation635 before returning to operation 600. If, in operation 630, themicroprocessor 502 identifies an operating event, then themicroprocessor 502 executes instructions to perform the identifiedoperating event. For example, if the microprocessor 502 determines thatthe counted number of movement events matches an entry in the tableassociated with an operating event that activates the vaporizer 250,then the microprocessor 502 executes instructions to cause the heatercontrol circuit 515 to supply power to the vaporizer 250. According toat least one example embodiment, the microprocessor 502 may disable thepressure sensor 525 (e.g., by opening a switch between themicroprocessor 502 and the pressure sensor 525) upon activating theheater control circuit 515 to save power normally consumed by thepressure sensor 525. Thus, the microprocessor 502 supplies power todesired ones of the e-vaping device's power consuming elements based onthe identified operating event. Power consuming elements may include anyelements of the e-vaping device 10 that consume power such as a batterylevel indicator for indicating a level of the battery (e.g., the lightarticle 114), a lock-out circuit for locking and unlocking the e-vapordevice 10, and an indicator for indicating an amount of the pre-vaporformulation (e.g., the light article 114), etc.

After operation 640, the microprocessor 502 erases the register 555 andresets the timer 545 and the counter 550 in operation 635 beforereturning to operation 600.

It should be understood that causing the microprocessor 502 to executeinstructions to perform the identified operating event in operation 640may be conditioned upon other circumstances, such as an operating stateof the e-vaping device 10. For example, if the battery 110 of thee-vaping device 10 is below a threshold level, then the microprocessor502 may cancel or postpone the identified operating event.

In view of the above, it should be understood that a controller and/oran e-vaping device according to at least one example embodiment mayreduce the number of buttons on the e-vaping device, operate withreduced power consumption (e.g., in cases where an e-vaping devicerelies on output of the movement sensor instead of the puff sensor toactivate the vaporizer), and/or provide convenient and customizableoperating options.

Example embodiments having thus been described, it will be obvious thatthe same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the intended spirit and scope of exampleembodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to oneskilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An e-vaping device, comprising: a power supplyconfigured to supply power to power consuming elements; a pressuresensor configured to detect application of negative pressure; a movementsensor configured to detect movement; and a controller configured to, ina first mode, control power supplied to the power consuming elements inresponse to the pressure sensor detecting the application of negativepressure, in a second mode, disable the pressure sensor, and in a thirdmode, disable the pressure sensor and replace control of power suppliedto the power consuming elements with the movement sensor.
 2. Thee-vaping device of claim 1, further comprising a reservoir to store apre-vapor formulation.
 3. The e-vaping device of claim 2, furthercomprising a vaporizer, the vaporizer including, a porous element influid communication with the reservoir, and a heater configured tovaporize pre-vapor formulation in the porous element.
 4. The e-vapingdevice of claim 1, wherein the movement sensor is an accelerometer. 5.The e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein: the movement sensor isconfigured to output an output signal based on the movement; and thecontroller is configured to detect, from the movement, movement eventsbased on a magnitude of an output signal.
 6. The e-vaping device ofclaim 5, wherein the controller is configured to count a number of thedetected movement events based on a number of times that the magnitudeof the output signal exceeds at least one threshold value within anexpiration time associated with the at least one threshold value.
 7. Thee-vaping device of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured toidentify an operating event based on the counted number of detectedmovement events.
 8. The e-vaping device of claim 7, wherein thecontroller is configured to identify the operating event based on thecounted number of detected movement events and at least one of theexpiration time, the at least one threshold value, the magnitude of theoutput signal, a direction of the movement, and time stamps associatedwith the counted number of detected movement events.
 9. The e-vapingdevice of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to consult atable stored in a storage medium to identify the operating event. 10.The e-vaping device of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured tosupply power to ones of the power consuming elements based on theidentified operating event.
 11. The e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein:the power consuming elements comprise a battery level indicator, alock-out circuit, an indicator, or any combination thereof; the batterylevel indicator is configured to indicate a level of the power supply;the lock-out circuit is configured to lock or unlock the e-vapingdevice; and the indicator is configured to indicate an amount ofpre-vapor formulation in a reservoir.
 12. An aerosol-generating system,comprising: a cartridge defining a container for storing a vapor formingmaterial; a vaporizer configured to generate a vapor from the vaporforming material; and a power supply section configured to be coupled tothe cartridge, the power supply section including, a pressure sensorconfigured to monitor pressure within the power supply section, amovement sensor configured to detect movement, a power supply, and acontroller configured to in a first mode, supply power to the vaporizerin response to the pressure sensor detecting an application of negativepressure, in a second mode, disable the pressure sensor and thevaporizer, and in a third mode, disable the pressure sensor and replacepower supplied to the pressure sensor with the movement sensor.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the vaporizer includes a porous element influid communication with the container.
 14. The system of claim 12,wherein the movement sensor is configured to output an output signalbased on the movement; and the controller is configured to detect, fromthe movement, movement events based on a magnitude of an output signal.15. The system of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured tocount a number of the detected movement events based on a number oftimes that the magnitude of the output signal exceeds at least onethreshold value within an expiration time associated with the at leastone threshold value.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the movementsensor is a multi-axis accelerometer, the output signal includes anx-axis component of the multi-axis accelerometer, a y-axis component ofthe multi-axis accelerometer, and a z-axis component of the multi-axisaccelerometer, and the magnitude of the output signal is a magnitude ofthe x-axis component, a magnitude of the y-axis component, a magnitudeof the z-axis component, or any combination thereof.
 17. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the number of times that the magnitude of the outputsignal has exceeded the at least one threshold value is greater than 1.18. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured toidentify an operating event based on the counted number of detectedmovement events.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the controller isconfigured to identify the operating event based on the counted numberof detected movement events and at least one of the expiration time, theat least one threshold value, the magnitude of the output signal, adirection of the movement, and time stamps associated with the countednumber of detected movement events.
 20. The system of claim 18, whereinthe controller is configured to consult a table stored in a storagemedium to identify the operating event.
 21. The system of claim 18,wherein the controller is configured to supply power to one of thepressure sensor, the movement sensor, and the vaporizer based on theidentified operating event.
 22. The system of claim 12, wherein thecontainer is a reservoir; and the vapor forming material is a pre-vaporformulation.